News from the Police

After a period of exceptionally low reported crime during the colder, wetter and darker months we are starting to see some increases now. This is a seasonal trend that happens each year, and while there are no particular series or major problems identified at the moment it is a good time to reconsider crime prevention measures generally.

Common sense steps can really reduce your chance of becoming a victim of crime - things like making sure your home is secure (even if you are only in the garden), that you lock your car whenever you leave it, and that you don’t leave valuable property on display in either of them where people could look in and see it.

Of course if you see anything suspicious, or have information about who is involved in crime in the area, you should let us know, either direct to the police (dial 999 if it is an emergency or a crime is in progress) or anonymously through Sussex Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

To put the issue in context, however, crime is lower than it was at this time last year, and over the last 5 years crime overall in Mid Sussex has fallen by a third!

That is a really remarkable reduction, and one that emphasises what a safe area Mid Sussex really is.

I’m also happy to be able to tell you about a number of good policing results over the last few weeks.

You may recall a series of burglaries and other offences that occurred in East Grinstead back in November, which were prominently reported in the local press. The offender was arrested at the time, and was linked to a series of offences that night, starting in Kent and travelling through Surrey before ending up in Mid Sussex.

These were very unusual offences for our local area, and I’m glad to report that the offender pleaded guilty, and currently awaits sentence.       

Also since my last message, 2 males who committed a robbery in Clair Park last year have been convicted and were sentenced to 18 months and 20 months imprisonment respectively.

These results follow thorough investigations, and we continue to put our efforts into catching those who are committing crime on the district – only quite recently we have executed warrant and recovered drugs and property stolen in burglaries on the district, and it is likely that a number of people will be charged as a result.

Of course police work is only part of the efforts to reduce crime and disorder. There are also a wide range of activities by partners that aim to support this, or to improve the quality of life for Mid Sussex generally.

On Friday 23rd April, I attended the launch of the new Family and Friends alcohol and substance misuse drop in centre at United Reform Church, South Road, Haywards Heath. Misuse of, and addiction to, alcohol, drugs and other substances is hugely damaging to individuals, families and society as a whole. Services exist for the users themselves, but this service is a welcome addition as it is aimed at providing support for those around the user; the families and friends who can suffer so much of the impact and who can feel so isolated.

The drop in centre will be open between 1pm and 3pm at the Church, on the first Friday of every month, accessed by a discreet side door, or alternatively there is a helpline number: 0800 085 4450.

The service is non-judgemental and is staffed by volunteers, who deserve huge thanks for their efforts.

Regards

Chief Inspector Edward De La Rue, District Commander edward.de-la-rue@sussex.pnn.police.uk

Your Local Inspectors:

East Grinstead

Inspector Paul Scott

paul.scott@sussex.pnn.police.uk

Burgess Hill & Haywards Heath

Inspector Paul Tomlinson

paul.tomlinson@sussex.pnn.police.uk

Getting involved

Want to help keep Mid Sussex safe? There are a range of things you can do:

      Report any suspicious or worrying incidents as soon as possible, either direct to us or anonymously through Sussex Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 (or see link to the left);

      Take sensible steps to reduce your risk of becoming a victim of crime;

      Participate in your local Neighbourhood Panel – these exist so that local people can tell us directly what they want us to focus on in their area, then hear what we have done about them;

      Give some of your time to helping your local community as a Police Support Volunteer or Special Constable;

      Join Neighbourhood Watch – if there isn’t a watch scheme in your area why not start one?

To find out more about these possibilities contact your local officer/PCSO (click on the ‘Map of Districts’ link, at the top left of this page if you don’t know who they are), or follow this link: http://www.sussex.police.uk/neighbourhood_policing/getinvolved.aspx